A town-owned 3.3-acre house lot has a market price of $29,000. Local realtor Nancy Carleton reviewed a survey of the McKay Road property known locally as the Lallis property. Carleton visited it and reviewed sales for the past six to 12 months for similar properties in evaluating the market value. Her research showed $32,300 for an average price for a buildable house lot. She provided selectmen with her professional opinion during the June 18 board meeting.

“But if you are looking to sell it right away, I suggest $29,000. If it doesn’t sell in the first couple weeks, it may take a couple months,” Carleton, of William Raveis Real Estate, said.

For over a year, selectmen worked toward subdividing and selling a northeast portion of the 82-acre property. They used a $1,500 Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission grant to survey the property. At a special town meeting, selectmen received voter approval for a $200 soil test. And now town officials are nearly ready to sell the newly created house lot.

In other action, selectmen entered into a five-year agreement with Central Lincoln County Ambulance Service. The town will pay a fixed, $17,000 annual fee. The agreement requires two payments, the first due by Dec. 31 and the second by June 30, 2019.

Selectmen had two options for municipal ambulance services. In recent years, Edgecomb used Wiscasset Ambulance Service. For fiscal year 2018, Edgecomb paid WAS $3,500. Edgecomb began searching for a new provider this spring when WAS requested $6,500 per year and municipal reimbursement for all unpaid in-town calls.

CLC’s initial bid was $19,000 per year with no request for additional funds for bad debt or capital equipment. In recent weeks, Selectman Ted Hugger continued discussion with CLCAS Director Warren Waltz. The two worked out a $17,000 annual fee. Selectmen and Waltz further negotiated other terms during the selecmen’s meeting which resulted in a signed contract.

The deal includes an annual review period and requires a written monthly report. Both parties can exit the deal by giving a month’s notice. “I enjoyed the process of working with Warren toward reaching a deal. It amazed me how professional he was and committed toward working with us to meet our needs,” Hugger said.

The contract begins July 1. But the deal doesn’t address one loose end with the previous provider. Several Edgecomb residents purchased a subscription service for about $120 annually from WAS. The fee covers co-pays and other ambulance-related charges not covered by insurance. An Edgecomb resident asked selectmen what happens to local subscribers.

“That is a private arrangement which the town has nothing to do with. So I’m not sure how that would work. They would need to contact Wiscasset about that,” said Selectman Mike Smith.

Also June 18, selectmen said they are seeking a temporary substitute code enforcement officer. Ken Vinyl took the position in April, but is on medical leave. Selectmen are considering using two previous applicants as a fill-in.

Selectmen unanimously approved retaining William  H. Brewer & Company as the municipal auditor for another year. The town will pay $8,500 for an audit for FY 18.

The board will meet next at 6 p.m. Monday, July 2 in the municipal building.